The Portland Timbers will induct club legend Diego Valeri to the club’s Ring of Honor at a ceremony that will take place on July 15, prior to the Timbers home match against Columbus Crew SC at Providence Park.
“It is with pride and gratitude that we announce Diego Valeri as the first MLS era Portland Timber to be inducted into our Ring of Honor,” said owner Merritt Paulson. “Diego had an immense impact on not just the Portland Timbers, but on all of MLS. His signing in many ways started the trend of Designated Players as talents in their prime with star-making years ahead of them. Diego was not just a maestro on the pitch, but also off it as someone always eager to serve our community, and I cannot wait for Diego and his family to be celebrated on July 15.”
Valeri, 35, spent a stellar nine seasons with the club, surpassing numerous club records with the Timbers. After arriving to Portland in 2013, Valeri became the Timbers’ regular-season leader in goals scored (86), assists (91) and points (263), and ranks second in team history in games played (262) and starts (230). A five-time MLS All-Star honoree (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), Valeri delivered the game-winning assist in the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star game against FC Bayern Munich at Providence Park, propelling the MLS All-Stars to a 2-1 victory. Along with the Timbers’ Player of the Year (2014, 2017) and Supporters’ Player of the Year (2014, 2016, 2017), Valeri earned the team’s Golden Boot in five different campaigns (2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020). Valeri will become the sixth member of the Timbers Ring of Honor, joining Clive Charles, John Bain, Jimmy Conway, Mick Hoban, and Timber Jim. The Ring of Honor is located on the upper east side of Providence Park.
“Diego Valeri’s accomplishments during his nine years with the Portland Timbers speak for themselves. His contributions on and off the field will undoubtedly have a positive lasting impact on the organization,” said Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy. “His ability to create a moment of brilliance, pulling off the spectacular, has provided all of us so many incredible memories. I couldn’t be more excited for our club, the supporters, and the entire city of Portland to share this moment as we honor the legacy that Diego has built. We look forward to honoring him and his well-deserved induction into the Portland Timber’s Ring of Honor.”
The Valentín Alsina, Argentina, native notched 100 goals and 104 assists in 306 appearances (265 starts) for the Timbers across all competitions. Valeri’s last goal with Portland was his 100th in Portland’s 2-1 win against LAFC on July 22 in 2021. Valeri’s honors with the Timbers include winning the Landon Donovan MLS MVP (2017), MLS Cup MVP (2015), MLS Newcomer of the Year (2013) and three MLS Best XI recognitions (2013, 2014, 2017).
During his MVP campaign in 2017, Valeri’s season was highlighted by a team-record 21 goals and 11 assists, while also recording a goal in nine consecutive matches – an MLS record at the time. Valeri is the only player in league history to win Newcomer of the Year, regular season MVP and MLS Cup MVP. Notably, Valeri was the first player in Timbers history to earn MLS Cup MVP honors after scoring in Portland’s 2-1 win against Columbus Crew SC in the 2015 MLS Cup, helping the club secure its first MLS Cup trophy.
“Diego Valeri’s arrival to Portland truly signified that MLS was starting to attract a different group of talented players. He didn’t only deliver in his very first appearance, but his performances during every match helped the Timbers grow as one of the most competitive clubs in the country,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese. “Diego’s passion and work ethic allowed him to develop a unique connection with the Timbers Army, and he continuously gave back to the Portland community. For all his dedication, he deserves to be inducted to the Portland Timbers Ring of Honor at Providence Park. It was a pleasure to have coached him these past few years and I wish him and his family all the best and continued success. Congrats.”
In 2020, Valeri became the third player in MLS history to record 80 goals and 80 assists in their regular season career. He recorded seven or more assists in each of his first eight seasons with the Timbers, one of just three MLS players in league history to record seven or more assists in eight consecutive seasons. Valeri also helped Portland claim the MLS is Back Tournament title with a 2-1 win over Orlando City SC on Aug. 11, 2020. Later that year, Valeri was named to Major League Soccer’s The 25 Greatest, a platform that honors the 25 brightest stars in league history.
